Ahead of its 25th Anniversary, and in partnership with multidisciplinary design firm Meyer Davis, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara has unveiled its new look, centered around an inviting, immersive narrative…
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara has announced the completion of property-wide enhancements in celebration of its 25th anniversary this September. The reimagination elevates the guest experience with redesigned guestrooms and suites, new restaurant and bar concepts and an inspired transformation of the resort’s striking lobby entrance and public spaces, including updated pool and cabana offerings, in partnership with renowned multidisciplinary design firm Meyer Davis.
“As we celebrate 25 years of creating memorable moments for our guests and local community alike, the renovation represents a blend of tradition and transformation at our beloved resort,” said Bradley Cance, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara. “Whether visiting for a coastal getaway, enjoying a restorative spa day or dining at our restaurants that showcase the best of the region, we invite both new and familiar guests to indulge in the natural beauty, warm hospitality and relaxed elegance that define Bacara.”
Image credit: Ron Starr
Guests are welcomed to The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara through the resort’s refreshed arrival experience that feels less like a lobby and more like stepping into an old friend’s casita – warm, welcoming and refined. Layered planting schemes reinforce the surrounding locale, while open-air areas and sculptural furnishings framed in iron and terracotta create an immediate sense of place. The atmospheric and architectural lighting guides moments of arrival, transition and rest as guests step into an effortless blend of the region’s hallmark style and the vibrant, soulful spirit associated with California’s coast.
“With The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, we set out to create a resort that feels like an extension of the coastline itself. Every element—from the materials to the spatial flow—was chosen to echo the land’s quiet drama and natural texture. The goal was to design a place that doesn’t just sit on the bluff but belongs to it—drawing guests into an experience that’s immersive, effortless and deeply connected to its surroundings,” shared Will Meyer, Co-Founder of Meyer Davis Studio.
“We envisioned the hotel as a modern retreat, inspired by the architecture of early haciendas. Our aim was to honour the spirit of the Californios style, so each detail—from textured materials to sculptural forms—was selected to feel both natural and enduring, guiding guests through the space with quiet intention,” added Gray Davis, Co-Founder of Meyer Davis Studio.
Image credit: Ron Starr
Blending a refined residential ambiance with the relaxed spirit of Santa Barbara, the resort’s 358 guestrooms and suites are redesigned to pay homage to the defining elements that are uniquely Bacara, whether through Spanish tilework, richly layered textiles or handcrafted details that reflect the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Framed by ocean views or lush garden courtyards, each space is designed to foster quiet moments of connection with accommodations transformed into relaxing havens that surround guests in the charm of coastal California.
Drawing inspiration from the early tastemakers who helped shape the region into the American Riviera, resort interiors are infused with a relaxed glamour that makes elegance feel effortless amid a calming palette of terracotta, lush green and natural shades of sand and stone. Standout elements within guestrooms—averaging 450 square feet—and suites include carved stone, aged leathers and natural woven textures along with area rugs inspired by Chumash motifs and headboards with custom fabrics by Erica Shamrock that take cues from Californios horse blankets.
Image credit: Ron Starr
The resort is also home to three distinctive signature suites—two Ritz-Carlton Suites and one Channel Islands Suite—each offering an elevated interpretation of coastal living. Spanning 2,000 square feet, the two-bedroom Ritz-Carlton Suites are designed for families or small groups as well as honeymoons and weddings alike. Nestled steps from the ocean within their own private villa building, each suite offers an expansive living room and kitchenette, two spacious bedrooms with king-sized beds, a separate living area with a sofa bed for added flexibility, and a private balcony offering sweeping ocean views.
One of the most anticipated elements of the resort’s enhancements is the introduction of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara’s new and updated bars and restaurants. The refreshed concepts draw on local and global cues, centered on fresh regional produce and seafood to serve exceptional cuisine year-round. Leading the resort’s impressive food and beverage lineup is Maple Hospitality Group’s Marisella— housed in a pre-existing Spanish Mission–style structure, Marisella’s interior—designed by Studio K Design —draws inspiration from the building’s historic roots while embracing a natural palette of sand, sea and sky.
Image credit: Ron Starr
Another standout venue is Lulio, where the laid-back spirit of the California coast meets the warm, vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean. Hinting at its sun-washed sensibility, the restaurant’s name draws on the Latin word for July. Shifting daily with the sun, Lulio features a collection of hand-crafted spaces that share exceptional views.
Serving as the resort’s energetic central hub, the reimagined ‘O’ Bar & Terrace connects the lobby with the natural beauty of sea. Named in honour of the Chumash people and their single-letter word for water, ‘O’ Bar & Terrace offers a stylish, contemporary experience where guests can enjoy fresh, modern takes on California-inspired cuisine and cocktails. At the heart of the space is a striking circular bar, clad in handcrafted tiles from local purveyor Malibu Ceramics, beneath a statement circular chandelier. Dramatic windows frame ocean views, while comfortable lounge and bistro seating featuring distinctive O-shaped backs create an inviting setting for gathering, sipping and enjoying the coastal landscape.
Image credit: Ron Starr
Guests can now take in sweeping beach views from the newly expanded outdoor terrace and refreshed pool deck, home to three zero-edge swimming pools and additional cabanas. Inspired by the natural landscape, the outdoor spaces incorporate sustainable landscaping with native plants, reflecting the region’s commitment to environmental preservation. At the heart of the experience is SunBar, a casual poolside spot with menus that shift with the sun and seasons.
More than a renovation, the redesign of The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is a return to place, a refined expression of California style, shaped by land, history, and the desire to both hold onto and let go. It’s a story of the bluff, told through space, material, and light.
Main image credit: Ron Starr
